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Immerse Your Family in the Culture of Europe on a Disney Cruise View the full article

Two of the most talented athletes in the world made their way to Walt Disney World this month as both Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez and tennis icon Serena Williams paid visits. Laurie Hernandez, part of the gold-medal winning Team USA at the Rio Olympics in 2016 as well as “Dancing With the... View the full article

The older I get, the more I find myself pausing to appreciate extraordinary moments in my life. More than just excuses for an out-of-shape, out-of-his-prime magazine editor to stop and catch his breath, these life- and career-defining moments allow me to step off the proverbial treadmill and just be present for something I may never have experienced before and may never experience again. I found myself soaking up one such moment last fall, scurrying away from the dinner table with some of my favorite people to watch the Statue of Liberty pass by under the glow of sunset from the deck of the Disney Magic. While I’ve had the good fortune of enjoying numerous Disney Cruise Line voyages, there was just something about that view of the Manhattan skyline that made me take a mental snapshot before retreating to the cozy confines of Animator’s Palate to resume my meal (a ginger-teriyaki-dusted angus beef tenderloin with wasabi mashed potatoes and a tamarind barbecue reduction, if memory serves). I thought about that evening again this morning (both the statue and the steak), when an assignment came across my desk to report that, as part of Membership Magic Ever After in 2017, Members may save 25% off prevailing tax-inclusive rates as quoted on disneycruise.com for the Oct. 2, 2017 Disney Magic sailing. Offer is valid only for categories 00T-11C. See Important Details below.* The itinerary bookends a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick (Canada’s oldest incorporated city), with two relaxing days at sea. The offer is available only to Members who purchased directly from Disney Vacation Club and who book using Vacation Points or a combination of Vacation Points and cash. It is now available by calling Member Services. However you spend your time on this voyage – watching whales in Canada or Lady Liberty in the New York Harbor – I hope you pause to enjoy the moment (and maybe a good steak). *Important Details: Rate includes Government Taxes and Fees of approximately $147 per person (subject to change). Rate excludes Gratuities and Port Adventures. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Offer excludes IGT, OGT and VGT Categories with Restrictions. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Rates in U.S. dollars. Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions and Disney Vacation Club Cancellation Policy. You should not purchase or add on a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability or renewal or extension of these benefits. These benefits may only be available to Members at various times and may or may not be renewed or extended. Membership Extras, such as vacation options in the Disney and Concierge Collections, certain discounts, offers, and special events are incidental benefits. These incidental benefits are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee, and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and block–out dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Disney and Concierge Collections options are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. will not have access to Membership Extras. View the full article

No matter what the ages of your kids, one of the joys of traveling is being able to introduce them to other cultures. And a Disney cruise in Europe makes it easy to do just that. Imagine eating tapas in Spain one day, a croissant in France the next and pizza in Italy the following. All the while, you and your kids are meeting locals, learning the language and discovering traditions. Experiences like these will increase your children’s appetite for learning about other cultures and shape the way they appreciate other parts of the world. Interested in how you can incorporate learning throughout your family’s Disney cruise? Take a look at this video to get a mom’s take … Stay tuned for more videos with Disney Parks Moms Panelist, Marcy Galloway, about cruising Europe with Disney. View the full article

A little Night of Joy update on a Tuesday morning. We have a new ticketing structure for this event being held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and I wanted to share it with you. This year, we’ve really tried to create a ticketing structure that meets the needs of a variety of different types of guests including Walt Disney World Annual Passholders. Event guests will be able to buy a concert only OR a concert plus theme park combination ticket for either evening – or even a two-night concert ticket. Single-night concert only tickets will be $45 plus tax in advance Two-night concert only tickets will be $69 plus tax in advance Add-on a (1) day Walt Disney World theme park ticket for only $62 plus tax*. There also will be premium seating packages available for an extra charge; and groups of 10 or more will be able to get discounted tickets, as with past events. Tickets will go on sale in early June. A little reminder about this year’s talent: (Entertainment subject to change.) Friday, Sept. 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Zach Williams, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective. Saturday, Sept. 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett. For more information, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates on entertainment and events. * Add-on Theme Park Ticket Option is good for use any one day September 8-30, 2017 at any one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks **2-Night Concert plus 1-day add-on Theme Park Advanced ticket will also include (1) admission to your choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon for one use September 8-30, 2017. Individuals must purchase by August 8, 2017 to receive water park ticket. Groups must purchase by August 25, 2017 to receive water park ticket. View the full article

You’re invited to a “Party Party” in Pandora — The World of AVATAR! Pandora “Party Party” is the translation from the Na’vi language for Pongu Pongu, which officially opens in Animal Kingdom — along with the rest of Disney World’s newest land — on May 27th. Pandora is currently in Passholder Preview mode for pre-registered guests, and we’ve already taken you inside Satu’li Canteen, the land’s fast-casual restaurant, which will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner to Pandora’s guests. Today, we’re bringing you to Pongu Pongu, Pandora’s spot to grab a drink — and even a signature snack, if you’re so inclined. Approaching Pongu Pongu So, let’s get this Party Party started! Atmosphere When you find yourself exploring Pandora, you are officially a guest of ACE: Alpha Centauri Expeditions. ACE offers humans the chance to explore beautiful Pandora now that peace between humans and the Na’vi of Pandora has been established in the time since the RDA (Resource Development Administration) was once at war with the Na’vi. Soon YOU can explore Pandora! Pandora atmosphere Inside Na’vi River Journey The expeditions must meet with some success, as evidenced by the presence of Pongu Pongu. You see, Pongu Pongu was actually established by an expatriate who grew to love Pandora so much that he or she decided to call it home. Subsequently, Pongu Pongu was built as a place where the Na’vi and humans could gather together in peace and celebration. Pongu Pongu sign Cast Member costumes, of course, get in on the fun. Pongu Pongu Cast Member shirt The playful theme is also on display through the bright colors and trinkets adorning the small kiosk and its signs. Pongu Pongu signage Those signs, naturally, include the menu, and we’re about to check out everything on it ! Drinks and Eats The offerings at Pongu Pongu are limited, but Pandora theming is in full force with the items. Two frozen specialties, the Night Blossom and the Mo’ara Margarita, are exclusive to Pongu Pongu. Pongu Pongu Menu The two Draft Beers on the menu are also available at Satu’li Canteen. But the final item, under “Snacks,” is a food that you’ll only find at Pongu Pongu: the Pongu Lumpia, a pineapple cream cheese spring roll. We’ll begin with those frozen specialties. The Night Blossom is a mix of Limeade with apple and desert pear flavors, all topped off with passion fruit boba balls. It can be purchased with or without a souvenir Pongu Mug complete with a glowing Unadelta seed, which you see below. Night Blossom in Pongu Mug In case you’re wondering what a “glowing Unadelta seed” is :-D, it’s not a light inside the cup itself. It’s actually a clip-on, so you could even use it on other glasses at home. Glowing Unadelta Seed It’s a two-fer souvenir with the glass and the glow cube! Err… glow seed. But still, the price for the souvenir glass — nearing $20 — is HIGH. (And not worth it. Unless you collect glow cubes or something.) Anyway, the fact that the souvenir cup is clear allows you to appreciate the super-fun look of this non-alcoholic beverage. The colors are certainly eye-catching with bright purple and green and that flash of yellow from the boba balls on top. Night Blossom And we’re happy to report that the taste lives up to the appealing appearance! The flavors are as bright as the hues with this one, and the pear, in particular, lends this drink some of its unique taste. The burst from the boba is a great final touch. In my opinion, this should be the signature drink of Pandora, as it eclipses the Pandoran Sunrise served at Satu’li Canteen by a mile. The Mo’ara Margarita mixes Sauza Conmemorativo Anejo Tequila with strawberry and blood orange flavors. It is likewise topped with boba balls, in strawberry this time. Mo’ara Margarita It’s difficult to go wrong with these flavors, so the drink is good… but honestly it’s nothing too special. I was hoping for more from the blood orange, but the flavor was pretty much all strawberry, and there wasn’t much strength from the tequila, unfortunately. Mo’ara Margarita We’ll see if things change once previews are over (pretty much anything is still subject to tweaking at this point), but that’s the scoop for now. We tried both the Mo’ara High Country Ale and the Hawkes’ Grog Ale at Satu’li Canteen. Mo’ara High Country Ale But in case you missed it, both of these draft beers are solid choices — both fairly light and basic, but good overall. That said, our preference between the two goes toward the Hawkes’ Grog Ale, because it’s GREEN! Hawkes’ Grog Ale Now, it’s time to dig into Pongu Pongu’s signature snack: the Pongu Lumpia. Pongu Lumpia The Pongu Lumpia was one of the first menu items for Pandora that we had any information about, as it was featured on the ABC daytime cooking show, The Chew, during the network’s Pandora preview week in March. Lumpia is a popular street food in Indonesia and the Philippines. Much like an egg roll, it’s typically a savory snack filled with meat and veggies. Pongu Pongu gives Lumpia a sweet twist, as a pineapple and cream cheese-filled spring roll finished off with a sprinkle of sugar. Pongu Lumpia The flavor components — pineapple, cream cheese, and wonton wrappers — are part of another beloved dish you’ll find elsewhere in Animal Kingdom: the Fried Wontons at Yak & Yeti. But the execution here is obviously different, with the ingredients tucked into a roll (as opposed to skewered separately). Pongu Lumpia Our DFB team reviews here are totally mixed. The flavors are good — the brightness of the pineapple is cut nicely by the mild sweetness of the cream cheese. This, we agree on. But while the texture didn’t work for some of us, others among our number are totally on board, and recommend the snack. Pineapple Chunks So. Yep. There you go. Our suggestion? Try it for yourself and let us know what you think, too. For now, though, it’s time to say “Cheers” from our very first visit to Pongu Pongu! Overall Well, mixed Lumpia reviews aside, we still think a stop by Pongu Pongu is a fun way to whet your whistle! A long, hot Orlando summer is quickly approaching, and the vast majority of Animal Kingdom guests are going to be checking out Pandora. Therefore, some refreshening sips will certainly be in order, and that’s what you’ll find at Pongu Pongu. The Night Blossom is enough of a reason to stop, and the beer ain’t bad, either . So be sure to join the party when you get YOUR chance to visit Pandora! What would you like to try at Pongu Pongu? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Full Menu for Pongu Pongu, and DFB’s “Eat This, Not That” Video for Animal Kingdom’s Pandora! Sneak Peek: Menu Item From Pongu Pongu in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora First Look! Pandora — The World of AVATAR in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! View the full article

Hackers have once again struck at Hollywood, this time claiming one of the summer’s biggest blockbuster releases — Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” the fifth installment in the highly profitable swashbuckling franchise, starring Johnny Depp. Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive... View the full article

It’s almost summertime in the Happiest Place on Earth! Who’s up for a date night at Disneyland, taking in a lively performance by a great band? If that sounds like music to your ears, then I’ve got exciting news for you! Live music is returning to the stage at Tomorrowland Terrace, with rockin’ bands performing hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and today. Beginning May 26, look for live music in Tomorrowland every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, from 7:30-11:15 p.m. Different bands will be appearing through August 20, so be sure to check the entertainment schedule before your visit. Of course, if swing is your thing, there’s also the Royal Swing Big Band Ball in Fantasy Faire, with fantastic live swing music and jazz every Saturday night from 7-10:30 p.m. So put your dancing shoes on, and get ready to enjoy some cool music under the moonlight at Disneyland park this summer. View the full article

Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez visited Walt Disney World Resort this past weekend and spent some time having fun with Minnie Mouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during the D2 Summit Cheerleading Championship. Hernandez also hosted the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, honoring the nation’s most spirited students, staff and schools. The show will air on VarsityBrands.com on May 15th at 8 p.m. ET. Her appearance at the sports complex was quite a surprise for many of the more than 12,000 cheerleaders who competed in D2 Summit Championship, one of six Varsity Spirit cheer & dance competitions that take place annually at the sports complex. Hernandez, 16, also experienced the theme parks with her family, the first time she had done that since she was a small child. Hernandez was part of the “Final Five” Team USA gymnasts who took home the gold medal during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She also won last season’s “Dancing with the Stars,” the youngest winner in the show’s history. View the full article

Disney Cruise Line recently announced some exciting new itineraries for Fall 2018, including the tropical beauty of Bermuda, Canada’s natural splendor, the tranquil Caribbean and balmy Bahamian bliss. These itineraries will be open for booking very soon, May 18th, but in the meantime, did you know the Disney Parks Moms Panel has Disney Cruise Line specialists? These panelists have tons of high seas tips & tricks to share as well as boat-loads of advice to answer your cruise questions. Diane W. shares with us why her family loves to cruise with Disney Cruise Line in this video guide: For more Disney Cruise Line tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

“Happily Ever After,” the new fireworks spectacular to debut at Magic Kingdom Park, officially kicked off Friday night – and 200 Disney Parks Blog readers were on-hand to witness the momentous occasion. The spectacular, which made history as the third nightly fireworks show to run at Magic Kingdom Park, combines fireworks, lasers, projections, original music and animation into an unforgettable show for guests. The 18-minute spectacular also features moments with beloved Disney characters from films like “Brave,” “The Lion King,” “Moana,” “Up,” and many others. At our “Happily Ever After” meet-up, our readers took sunset selfies with Cinderella Castle as the backdrop, were treated to reserved fireworks viewing, and surprised with an exclusive “Happily Ever After”-inspired poster, as well as a complimentary download of the show’s new theme song. You can catch a replay of the debut performance of “Happily Ever After” above. What do you think of the show? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. View the full article

Les Pirates Partout! Or “Pirates Everywhere” in French. I know! So Fun! As with our colleagues at Shanghai Disney Resort, the cast of the soon-to-be-blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” also brought their signature brand pillage and plunder to Disneyland Paris – to the surprise and delight of park guests. In Europe, the film is titled “Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge” focusing on the new character Captain Salazar played by Javier Bardem. On May 14, 2017 – just three days after Shanghai Disney Resort hosted the world premiere of the film at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre inside Shanghai Disney Resort’s Disneytown; the cast made their way through the streets of Disneyland Paris – disembarking from a giant galleon in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle – to celebrate the film’s launch in Europe. Johnny Depp, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelario, Orlando Bloom, Geoffey Rush, Javier Bardem, directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg and producer Jerry Bruckheimer wowed the crowds of guest – with SUPERB timing as Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Park is undergoing a re-Imaging as part of the Disneyland Paris 25th Anniversary Celebration. On arrival the cast and crew were met with thunderous applause from fans and celebrities alike. After a spectacular show featuring 25 acrobats and dancers dressed as ghost pirates and escorting a sinking ship, the film’s cast and crew came onstage to greet the audience and answer questions. They also took the time to sign autographs and pose for selfies with excited fans, before making a surprise appearance at the film’s European premiere at Gaumont Disney Village, which was simulcast across a dozen IMAX theaters across the continent. To celebrate the 25th anniversary at Disneyland Paris, the legendary attraction will reopen its doors on July 24th with 2 scenes including Jack Sparrow appearing in several of its unforgettable sequences for the first time in Europe. Disney Parks are where our stories come to life and the soon-to-be-blockbuster movie also is perfectly-timed to help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic attraction’s opening at the Disneyland Resort in California. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” sails into theaters in the United States on May 26 and May 24 – 26 in Europe. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more news from Disney Parks around the world and more Disney Parks news tied to “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales!” View the full article

Award Wieners is an old Hollywood style counter service joint in Disney California Adventure. It’s located in Hollywood Land, which isn’t surprising when you see the sleek art deco exterior. Award Wieners Exterior I mean, check out that wiener award in the center of the marquee. So shiny. So golden. So hot dog-y. And the good news is, if you were wondering where you could see images of dancing hot dogs in top hats, Award Wieners has something for you, there. Naturally, we had to try something a little more creative than your basic dog (although that’ll satisfy any day of the week!), so we ordered the BBQ Crunch Dog. Which is an epic favorite here at DFB. It’s a Cheddar Sausage, which is salty and tasty with just a hint of creamy cheddar. Then, to kick the show into high gear, Award Wieners tops the sausage with Barbecue Sauce, Cheddar Jack Cheese, and crispy Fried Onions. Barbecue Crunch Dog at Award Wieners All of these toppings are “wieners”, we know. Our only complaint is that the cheese didn’t really melt. So that was disappointing, but otherwise, this works! The Barbecue Sauce is a little bit sweet and a little (tiny) bit spicy. But the sausage was delicious, and the Fried Onions performed an essential supporting role by adding texture. We also dig the toasted Potato Bun. It couldn’t contain all of the toppings, but it tasted awesome. You have a choice between Seasonal Fruit or “Filmstrip” Fries on the side. We’ve heard them called twisty fries or (our personal favorite) curly steak fries by fans. The second description is pretty apt. These are thick cut fries that are curled, creating a unique French fry shape. But fear not — they are *distinctly* fries; they’re not crispy like chips at all. Award Wieners Filmstrip Fries Now, it’s no secret that we are big, big fans of Disneyland corn dogs. There’s just nothing like this iconic snack anywhere. (Even the Disneyland corn dog cousins at the Fantasy Fare Food Truck aren’t quite the same.) So we had to give the Banana Corn Dogs a try. Or maybe they’re just called Fried Bananas. But they sure to LOOK like banana corn dogs to us. These are what you think they are. Two inch chunks of banana are dunked in a batter, and deep fried. When they’re golden brown, they’re topped with a little Powdered Sugar and served with two sauces: Raspberry and Mango. Mango! Award Wieners Banana Corn Dogs This was a provocative and tasty snack. (Really, name something deep fried and dunked in sauce that isn’t tasty.) The banana is soft, but that cornmeal batter has a great little crunch. The sauces are tart and sweet and delicious. And there’s plenty of them to go around since you’re only scoring two Banana Corn Dogs with your order. At $5.99, these aren’t the biggest snack you can get, but they’re darn good. Award Wieners Banana Corn Dog We’re stoked that these are back after their limited run back when Zootopia was released. Get ‘em while you can! Overall Overall, we have no big complaints about Award Wieners. There’s always something surprising on the menu, and it’s pretty much always good. Plus, it’s super convenient, located near crowd favorite Monsters Inc. (and in the shadow of the Tower of Terror as it gets its Guardians of the Galaxy reboot). Is this where you should eat in Disney California Adventure? Well, a couple of years back I would have said you can skip it. But honestly the menu revamps have made it almost a must-visit for me. Flo’s V-8 Cafe is probably my number one counter service recommendation here, and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill are offering some great options, too. But Award Wieners, man…it brings it. And here’s a DFB Tip: when you choose this restaurant, don’t be fooled that it looks like there’s no seating whatsoever. There’s actually plenty of seating. After getting your food, walk around behind Award Wieners and you’ll find tables upon tables under cover. Good deal. Are you a Disney hot dog fan? Let us know all about your fave in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: NEW Street-Style Hot Dog Menu at Disney California Adventure’s Award Wieners Review: Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure Dining in Disneyland: The Banana Corn Dog from DCA’s Award Wieners View the full article

The march to the grand opening of Pandora — The World of Avatar continues at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The expansion, which was first made available to Walt Disney World cast members, is now being explored by annual passholders who signed up to visit on specific days. More media members have also... View the full article

The quintessential all-American treat, chocolate chip cookies get their very own holiday on May 15. So we asked the pastry chefs at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to share their recipe. Below you’ll find Chef Erich’s chocolate chip cookie recipe – a delicious and easy sweet you can make at home for memories of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Chocolate Chip Cookies Makes about 3 dozen medium, or 18 large cookies 2 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks butter), softened 1 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup powdered sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 330°F. Sift flour, baking soda and salt into a large bowl and set aside. Combine butter, brown sugar and powdered sugar in a separate bowl and cream with electric mixer until fluffy. With mixer running, add eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla. Mix until combined, scraping sides of bowl. Slowly add flour mixture, scraping sides of bowl. Stir in chocolate chips. Scoop 1 tablespoon dough for medium cookies and 2 tablespoons for large onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake until light golden, 10 to 12 minutes for medium cookies, 12 to 14 minutes for large. View the full article

It’s a sunny morning at Disneyland Paris! This Mickey Mouse clock can be found on the resort’s Disneyland Hotel, which offers Victorian-style accommodations and three restaurants: Inventions, California Grill and Café Fantasia. One of the biggest benefits of staying at this gorgeous hotel? Its close proximity to Disneyland Park, which is just steps away! Have you stayed at this resort hotel? Tell us about it in the comments section below. View the full article

We’re starting another week here on the Disney Parks Blog with a Disney Doodle that imagines what Goofy and Max would do if they took a father-son trip to Walt Disney World Resort. For this doodle, artist Ashley Taylor found inspiration from “A Goofy Movie” when imagining what they’d do first. “Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is one of my favorite places to relax at Walt Disney World! Ashley said. “I can easily imagine Goofy and Max camping and enjoying ‘Hi Dad’ soup, a meal they shared on their first camping trip in “A Goofy Movie!” View the full article

Pandora — The World of AVATAR officially opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27th! Welcome to Pandora — The World of AVATAR! But the DFB was able to attend a Pandora Passholder Preview over the weekend. And you know what we learned? Pandora Native Drums Inside Na’vi River Journey That exploring all the gorgeous scenery and taking in two brand new attractions makes an interplanetary traveler awfully hungry. And that’s where Satu’li Canteen — Pandora’s own fast-casual restaurant — comes in. Entering Satu’li Canteen Welcome, ACE eco-tourists, to Satu’li Canteen! Atmosphere When you trek through Pandora, you are officially a guest of ACE: Alpha Centauri Expeditions. Though Pandora has a bit of a rough history due to the war with the RDA (Resource Development Administration) over the attempted exploitation of the land’s resources (unobtanium, specifically), those days are thankfully in the past. ACE logo at Satu’li Canteen register ACE now leads eco-tourists through Pandora’s Valley of Mo’ara. Pandora atmosphere And one change they made was taking what was previously the RDA Mess Hall and turning it into Satu’li Canteen. Heading towards Satu’li Canteen Along with the function of providing meals to travelers visiting Pandora, the Canteen also serves as a cultural hub showcasing Na’vi items and artwork. Satu’li Canteen atmosphere Satu’li Canteen atmosphere Satu’li Canteen outdoor atmosphere Of course, you’ll still spot evidence of the RDA’s previous presence here and there. RDA relic Both indoor and outdoor seating are available. The indoor offers space for up to 330 guests. Indoor Seating And an additional 190 seats are outside. Outdoor Seating Once the land is officially up and running, Satu’li Canteen will be the one of the first restaurants to utilize the Mobile Order process at Disney World. Anticipated to be offered at additional fast-casual and quick service restaurants as the year goes on, this pre-order and pre-pay option will allow guests to bypass the ordering queue and will be available via the My Disney Experience app. For purposes of the Preview, though, it’s pretty much business as usual with your standard dual-sided ordering queues and counter pickup. Ordering Queues Pickup Counter Cast Members assembling orders Now let’s check out what they’re preparing for all the space travelers visiting Pandora. Eats Satu’li Canteen is serving up breakfast (surprise!), lunch, and dinner in anticipation of LOTS of guests spending plenty of time exploring Pandora! In keeping with the story of the land, the options are meant to reflect “Pandora’s natural abundance,” with a focus on whole food grains, veggies, and proteins. Satu’li Canteen outdoor menu Our Passholder Preview began at 12:00 noon, but we were able to get a look at the Breakfast menu, where unique options such as Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata and Scrambled Egg, Bacon, and Spinach Steamed “Pods” (Bao Buns) are offered alongside more traditional items like Cinnamon French Toast. (Just click the image below to enlarge.) FYI, we’re hearing you can’t go wrong with the french toast! Satu’li Canteen Breakfast Menu We’ve explored the Lunch and Dinner options in previous posts, with the spotlight falling on the Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowl and more Steamed “Pods” (Bao Buns) with both a meat (Cheeseburger) and vegetarian option. Satu’li Canteen Lunch and Dinner Menu The specialty drink of Pandora is the non-alcoholic Pandoran Sunrise, which is available with or without the souvenir Na’vi Flute Cup. Na’vi Flute Cup Allergy-friendly options are also on offer for all the day’s meals, with notes regarding which choices are safe for which allergies (and, as always, concerned guests are welcome to speak with a Disney chef). Allergy-friendly Breakfast Menu Allergy-friendly Lunch and Dinner Menu Simply ask a Cast Member if you don’t see the allergy-friendly menu readily available! As for what we ordered, let’s start with our drinks. We grabbed pretty much all the specialties of the Canteen: the Pandoran Sunrise, the Dreamwalker Sangria, Hawkes’ Grog Ale (that’s the green beer), and Mo’ara High Country Ale. Satu’li Canteen Beverages Now, the Pandoran Sunrise has met with some controversy. Early reviews from Cast Member previews were not positive, to say the least. In fact, they were so unfavorable that we have since been informed by a Cast Member that this non-alcoholic blend of tropical juices combined with Powerade Melon was reformulated just prior to our Preview. (Same ingredients, different amounts.) Pandoran Sunrise Pandoran Sunrise Either way, I didn’t find it to be horrible, but it’s still not something I would run back to get, unless I was really in need of some of those electrolytes. Next up are three beverages for adults only, starting with the Dreamwalker Sangria: a white sangria with a bit of Blue Curaçao to create the drink’s hue. Dreamwalker Sangria Okay, I get it. We’ve entered into a whole new planetary realm in Pandora, so things should look a little different. Enter: the Blue Curaçao. But I’m sorry. It just doesn’t work. The syrupy sweetness of this addition only detracts from — and even overpowers — the white wine, and you’re likely much better off giving the Banshee Chardonnay or Pinot Noir a go. Things start looking up, though, once you realize you’ve got your pick of two draft beers including the Mo’ara High Country Ale. Mo’ara High Country Ale Still, go for the green one by checking out the Hawkes’ Grog Ale ! Hawkes’ Grog Ale Moving on to entrees, the Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowl presents the opportunity for some customization at Satu’li Canteen. Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowl You’ll find the process and options listed on the menu. They are as follows: Step 1: Select your protein from Beef, Chicken, Sustainable Fish, and Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu. Step 2: Select your base from Quinoa and Vegetable Salad, Red & Sweet Potato Hash, Mixed Whole Grain & Rice, and Romaine & Kale Salad. Step 3: Select your sauce from Charred Onion Chimichurri, Black Bean Vinaigrette, and Creamy Herb Dressing. So, allow us to present our Chopped Wood-Grilled Chicken, Red & Sweet Potato Hash, and Black Bean Vinaigrette Bowl, and our Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef, Quinoa & Vegetable Salad, and Charred Onion Chimichurri Bowl. Create Your Own Satu’li Bowls No matter what you choose, the Bowls are topped with crunchy vegetable slaw and yogurt boba balls (boba balls are a recurring theme in Pandora, as you’ll notice when we pay a full visit to Pongu Pongu in tomorrow’s review). Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Yogurt Boba Balls Each of the Bowls had their highlights, and lowlights. Of the two proteins we tried, we recommend the beef over the chicken. Slow-roasted Sliced Grilled Beef Bowl Even though the charred chicken was nicely seasoned, the beef was prepared on the rarer side (which works for us!) and tender; not something you typically encounter in a quick service location. Thumbs up! Slow-roasted Sliced Grilled Beef Bowl That said, we have to give the Red & Sweet Potato Hash base (from our Chopped Wood-Grilled Chicken) the higher score over the Quinoa and Vegetable. Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl with Red & Sweet Potato Hash Base And we’re not the only ones — early reviews of this particular base are getting high marks almost across the board. It’s that subtle hint of sweetness that makes this heartier base stand out from the others. Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl with Red & Sweet Potato Hash Base As far as the sauces go, it’s nice to say that not a lot can go wrong here. The Charred Onion Chimichurri (and, based on reader reviews, the Creamy Herb Dressing) is flavorful, if not particularly outside the norm. Closeup on the Charred Onion Chimichurri If you’re looking for a slightly more unusual flavor addition, go for the Black Bean Vinaigrette. The other option for entrees at Satu’li Canteen are the highly anticipated Steamed “Pods” (aka, Bao Buns!). Like the Bowls, there is a choice for both carnivores and vegetarians, with the Vegetable Curry Steamed Pods and the Cheeseburger Steamed Pods. Vegetable Curry Pods Full Entree and Cheeseburger Pods Both come with root vegetable chips and crunchy vegetable slaw. (A note: since we already had the sides with the Vegetable Curry Pods, we ordered our Cheeseburger Pods without. This is always one of our favorite tips for saving money on food in Disney World.) Root Vegetable Chips We found that the chips could use some more seasoning, but that tang of the slaw remains a nice accompaniment, as it does with the Bowls. Crunchy Vegetable Slaw The Vegetable Curry Pods are stuffed with chopped bits of eggplant, cauliflower, sweet potato, carrots, and a shallot cilantro cream. The filling is finished off with a hefty dose of curry powder. Vegetable Curry Steamed Pods And that’s, I believe, where the discrepancy stems from in the opinions regarding the Vegetable Curry Pods. “Curry” is in the name for a reason; it’s not merely a hint of curry. Vegetable Curry Steamed Pod Opinions differed even among our small group, with the non-curry fans giving the Veggie Pods a thumbs down, while the curry lovers (and you do have to love it for these pods) gave a thumbs up. Making the grade all the way around, though, were the Cheeseburger Steamed Pods. Cheeseburger Steamed Pods What makes this such a fun choice is that the filling is more than ground beef and cheese. You’ll also pick up on ketchup, mustard, and pickle (yes!!), all stuffed into that same Boa Bun that’s super soft without being too moist. Cheeseburger Steamed Pod It’s a fun twist that’s tasty at the same time. Now, here’s one for the kiddos… and frankly, I’m a bit jealous. When I read about the Teylu All-Beef Hot Dog Wrapped in Dough on the menu, I assumed the dough in question would be steamed as it is with the pods. Kids’ Teylu Hot Dog Meal But if you aren’t certain about how your kids might react to a steamed bun (which they would receive with the Kids’ Cheeseburger Pod meal), they may very much like the nice, toasty, golden brown Parker House Dough surrounding this Dog! Teylu All-Beef Hot Dog It truly makes the meal, and no joke: this was one of my favorite items of the WHOLE DAY. By the way, other options for Kids’ Meals include smaller servings of the Bowls and the Cheeseburger Pod, along with a Cheese Quesadilla option. Allright now, who’s up for some Ber’ri?!? Not so much? Okay, what if I told you “Ber’ri” is Na’vi for “dessert”? I thought that might change your mind… . Your choices here are Chocolate Cake and a Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse. Chocolate Cake Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse The Chocolate Cake is surrounded with a crunchy cookie layer and topped with a bit of banana cream. Chocolate Cake Though not quite a ganache with its solid base, the cake itself definitely has a soft, moist texture that I wasn’t prepared for. Kind of a mousse rather than a cake. Overall, it’s okay, but the dark chocolate flavor carried too much of a baking cocoa taste for me. Chocolate Cake I much preferred the Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse, which is topped with a passion fruit curd and is — let’s face it — all sorts of colorful and pretty. Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse The highlight for me was actually the passion fruit curd over the mousse, but I really enjoyed the overall fruity flavor and light texture of the whole thing. Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse Consider yourself warned, though: even though this dessert is Instagram-ready, YOU might not be after eating it . A little of that blue coloring stays with you a little while even after you finish the dessert, folks. But it’s worth it! Just grab some water to go with it and have fun! And now, we’re off for some more trekking… Flight of Passage entrance area Floating Mountains Pandora atmosphere Overall Much like the rest of the land (you can check out more of our pictures here), Satu’li Canteen is quite immersive when it comes to bringing guests into the story of Pandora. But what’s even more noteworthy is that the experience is carried over into the food with some unusual options that you really won’t find elsewhere in Disney World. The fact that much of it (with the exception of a few misses, as noted) is pretty well-executed makes the Canteen a welcome option for Pandora trekkers. True, this is probably not your stop for picky eaters (except for that hot dog!). But that’s also something I appreciate about it: while it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, the menu offers a definite — and refreshing — change of pace where they could’ve played it safe in what is bound to be a popular area of the park for some time to come. Remember: Satu’li Canteen isn’t the only new dining stop in Pandora. Be sure to meet us right back here tomorrow for our full review of Pandora’s drink station: Pongu Pongu! We’ll see you there! What would you order at Satu’li Canteen? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Full Menu for Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora First Look! Pandora — The World of AVATAR in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! News: Mobile Ordering and Menu Items Coming to Pandora’s Satu’li Canteen View the full article

Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs is one of our all-time favorite sandwich spots at Disney World! And this week they’re celebrating British Sandwich Week. Earl of Sandwich in Disney Springs As the story goes, back in 1762 John Montague, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, didn’t want to leave the card game he was playing so he asked for roasted beef between two slices of bread and the sandwich was born! To celebrate the sandwich, Earl of Sandwich guests can enjoy $5 featured sandwiches from May 15 to May 19. Each day a new sandwich is featured, starting with The Original 1762 on May 15. This sandwich is what the Earl ordered during his card came – Roast Beef with horseradish! On May 16 you can get The Full Montague for just five bucks. This sandwich is a tribute to the Earl and the rest of the Montague clan and features Roasted beef, Turkey, Swiss and Cheddar Cheeses, Lettuce, Roma Tomato and Mustard Sauce. The Full Montague at Earl of Sandwich On May 17 the featured sandwich is The Earl’s Club; and May 18 the featured sandwich is the Ham ‘N’ Swiss, which is one of the earliest closed-face sandwiches in history. British Sandwich Week wraps up Friday, May 19, with the Hawaiian BBQ sandwich, which is a tribute to the discovery of the Hawaiian islands by Captain James Cook, whose travels were commissioned by the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Hawaiian BBQ Sandwich We can’t wait to celebrate British Sandwich Week at Earl of Sandwich! Which of these featured sandwiches are you going to celebrate with? Let us know in the comments. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New Menu Options at Earl of Sandwich! (And Holiday Sandwich Year-Round!!) Disneyland Earl of Sandwich Official! Opening Early Summer 2012 News: Earl of Sandwich Introduces New Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich View the full article

Turtles and a Disney treat on the cheap can be found at a small ice cream spot across from the beach in Brevard County. Satellite Beach’s Surfin’ Turtle Ice Cream Shoppe is a tiny yellow building with a covered patio wedged between a Mexican restaurant and a gas station. Owner Todd Brackett opened... View the full article

Happy Mother’s Day!! How about a day at Disneyland or Disney World just for mom? A sweet treat just for Mom! ©Disney If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day, check out these special dining options at Disney World and Disneyland! Mother’s Day in Disneyland If you’re visiting Disneyland, several restaurants have special dining options. Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure is serving Carthay Benedict, two Poached Eggs on Grilled Petite Filet Mignon Medallions with Country Cornbread, Ranchero Black Beans and Poblano Chili Hollandaise. Treat mom to lunch at Carthay Circle Restaurant Storyteller’s Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is serving Mother’s Day breakfast buffet from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. and a lunch/dinner buffet from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. – both with characters for lots of photo opps with Mom! The breakfast buffet is $37 for adults, $22 for ages 3 to 11; and lunch/dinner is $40 for adults, $24 ages 3 to 11. If you’re looking for something really special, Steakhouse 55’s Classic Afternoon Tea will feature Mother’s Day-themed desserts plus traditional scones, tea sandwiches, and more. The Classic Tea with tea, scones and tea sandwiches is $50 per person, and the Premium Tea that includes a glass of sparkling wine plus a salad and truffles is $65 per person. Tea Snacks at Steakhouse 55 tea Reservations for the Mother’s Day meals at Disneyland can be made online or by calling 714-781-DINE. Celebrate Mother’s Day at Disney World Several restaurants at Disney World are celebrating Mom with brunch! Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. that includes breakfast favorites and some dinner faves too, plus breakfast includes one Mimosa per adult. At Disney’s Beach Club Resort you can treat Mom to a Mother’s Day Character Brunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Cape May Cafe. This buffet includes a Bloody Mary bar! Next door at Yacht Club, the Captain’s Grille is hosting a buffet from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Minnie Mouse loves Mom too! Over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort The Wave…of American Flavors has a Mother’s Day buffet from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Disney Vacation Club members can make reservations for a special Mother’s Day Brunch in the Fantasia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort inspired by Disney’s Tarzan. Members can contact Member Services for more information and to make reservations. And finally, Garden Grove at the Walt Disney World Swan is hosting its Mother’s Day Character Brunch Buffet from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sweet Potato Pancakes for Mom at The Wave…of American Flavors! Reservations for the Mother’s Day brunches and buffets can be made online or by calling 407-939-9463. Pamper Mom at Disney Springs If you’re celebrating with Mom at Morimoto Asia, she can enjoy a complimentary Mimosa and a flower on her special day! Some Dim Sum and Sushi sounds perfect! Spicy Tuna Roll Paddlefish is serving Lobster Ravioli with fresh Maine Lobster, Lavender, Sage, Brown Butter, Tomatoes, Concasse and White Asparagus with a suggested wine pairing of Textbook chardonnay to celebrate Mother’s Day this year. And, all moms will receive a carnation during their visit. STK Orlando is serving a Mother’s Day Brunch and Moms can enjoy a complimentary “Mom-osa,” flowers, and a take-home gift. The brunch will feature Avocado Toast and King Crab Scrambled Eggs, and favorites including Cinnamon Monkey Bread with Cream Cheese Icing and STK’s Lil BRG with waygu beef. STK’s brunch is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lil’ BRGs At the Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe enjoy a prix fixe menu that includes appetizer, main course, dessert, and wine pairing for $150 per couple. Other Mother’s Day specials at Disney Springs include three macarons in a chocolate jewelry box from Amorette’s Patissire for $20; chocolate covered strawberries and rose cake pops at Goofy’s Candy Co.; special “duo” meals at D-Luxe Burger; a glass of Rosa Regale and a chocolate ganache square at The Ganachery; and finally a “MOM cupcake box” from Sprinkles with flavors includes red velvet, dark chocolate, vanilla, and salty caramel. Treat mom to something sweet from Sprinkles! Other Mother’s Day Treats at Disney World To satisfy Mom’s sweet tooth, make sure to stop by the Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom for a special Mother’s Day Chocolate Raspberry cupcake. And, the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary has a Triple Chocolate Cupcake for Mother’s Day! Are you planning to celebrate Mother’s Day at Disney World or Disneyland? Leave us a comment and let us know! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Celebrate Mother’s Day at Disneyland and Walt Disney World! Mother’s Day at Disney World and Disneyland News: Celebrate Mickey Mouse’s Birthday with Special Treats at Walt Disney World and Disneyland! View the full article

This week, we celebrated the debut of “Happily Ever After” presented by Pandora Jewelry at the Walt Disney World Resort with a special opening night meet-up, a #DisneyParksLIVE stream, new artwork and other posts created especially for Disney Parks Blog readers. If you missed it, “Happily Ever After” is our new nighttime spectacular that combines the magic of Disney storytelling, beloved Disney characters, fireworks and more at Magic Kingdom Park. And thanks to the inclusion of state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, more Disney characters than ever before are featured in the show, including moments from “Moana,” “Brave,” “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “The Princess & The Frog,” “Aladdin” and many others. Check out our “Happily Ever After” story to learn more. And if you’re heading to Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort this Fall you won’t want to miss our guest-favorite Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This week, we shared the update many of you were waiting for – tickets are now available. Visit our original story for a list of dates for both holiday events. And find tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party here and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party here. Take a look at some of the other stories we worked on this week. All in the Details: Finding Artistic Inspiration for Pandora – The World of Avatar – We’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look yet at the construction of Pandora – The World of Avatar. In it, members of the project team take us along as they search the globe for inspiration for the new land’s look and feel. How to Have the Perfect Weeklong Vacation on the Disney Fantasy – In just a couple weeks, we’ll be debuting new spaces on the Disney Fantasy, including two immersive areas for kids – Star Wars: Command Post and Marvel Super Hero Academy. More to come on that, but for now, we want to share tips for how to have the perfect weeklong vacation on the Disney Fantasy. Disney VoluntEARS Help Build Second American Heart Association Teaching Garden in Anaheim – Last week, Disney VoluntEARS joined the American Heart Association along with students & teachers at Juliette Low Elementary School to build the second AHA teaching garden in Anaheim funded by the Disneyland Resort. ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Cast Invade Shanghai Disney Resort – Here at the Disney Parks Blog we are counting down the days until May 11 with our colleagues at Shanghai Disney Resort. That’s when Shanghai Disney Resort will host the world premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre inside Shanghai Disney Resort’s Disneytown. Encounter the Guardians of the Galaxy Starting May 27 During Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure Park – Last weekend, “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2” blasted its way to the top of the box office charts, and now the cosmic heroes are getting ready to land at Disney California Adventure park. The action kicks off in a big way May 27 with the opening of the all-new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and the launch of Summer of Heroes which includes Super Hero fun for everyone! Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain Now Boarding at Disneyland Paris – Calling all Rebel spies: Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain is now open at Disneyland Paris! After a briefing by the famous Admiral Ackbar, you can travel on an epic adventure across the galaxy to the planet Jakku in the name of the Rebel Alliance. View the full article

Welcome to Pandora — The World of AVATAR! Welcome to Pandora — The World of AVATAR! We are THRILLED to bring you along with us on our very first visit to the newest land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! (And we’ll have full food reviews on Monday and Tuesday, so stay tuned!) Entrance into Pandora — The World of AVATAR! While Pandora doesn’t officially open to guests until May 27th, our roving reporter is, of course, a Disney World Annual Passholder, and pre-registered Passholder Previews kicked off on May 13th. Sneak Peek sign We’ve (thankfully!) received a couple of glimpses here and there, thanks to Cast Members who have already attended their own Previews and kindly shared some of their photos and thoughts. Entering into the Preview These have only made us even MORE excited to see everything for ourselves. Pandora Care to join us ? Pandora — The World of AVATAR Those who have seen the movie AVATAR will recall that space travel to Pandora was limited to members of the Resource Development Administration (RDA) seeking its own gain of Pandora’s unobtanium. But now, Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) — as restoration of the once-exploited land takes place — is able to welcome interplanetary travelers (that’s you and me!) on peaceful expeditions to Pandora’s Valley of Mo’ara. Pandora atmosphere Pandora atmosphere Pandora atmosphere Highlights of the new land include two new attractions: Avatar Flight of Passage and the Na’vi River Journey. Flight of Passage entrance area Flight of Passage entrance area Flight of Passage MagicBand entrance Inside the Flight of Passage queue Na’vi River Journey story Inside Na’vi River Journey Inside Na’vi River Journey But simply exploring the scenery of the Valley is truly an attraction in itself! Pandora atmosphere Pandora atmosphere Having trouble identifying all the flora and fauna — not to mention unfamiliar language and items of the Na’vi — surrounding you? Pandora Plants Pandora Plants Na’vi Artwork Pandora atmosphere Don’t worry… your Pandora Field Guide can help you sort things out. Pandora Field Guide Pandora Field Guide Pandora Field Guide Pandora Field Guide Pandora Field Guide And so can some terrific Cast Members (notice the unique Name Tags specific to Pandora!). Pandora Cast Member Name Tag By the way, you know those drums in the Africa section of the park where the kids always love to stop and play while you’re trying to gather everyone up to get to your next FastPass+ destination? Yeah. Well, wait until they get a load of these! Native Drums Native Drums We could spend all day wandering around… Pandora paths … but we’ve got some specific spots to visit, involving all the FOOD in Disney World’s newest land! Satu’li Canteen When the RDA (Resource Development Administration) was seeking to exploit Pandora’s resources, a mess hall was built for the team. Approaching Satu’li Canteen Satu’li Canteen However, in the time of peace that has since been established, ACE (Alpha Centauri Expeditions) has transformed the mess hall into a dining spot for travelers, and the result is Satu’li Canteen. Entering Satu’li Canteen Even more, ACE ensured that the facility would celebrate the culture of the Na’vi through displays of art and useful items. Satu’li Canteen atmosphere Satu’li Canteen atmosphere Indoor Seating We’ve explored the menu and a few early reviews from Cast Members in previous posts, and we are working on our full DFB review as we speak (or, umm… write!). Expect that full review of Satu’li on Monday! Satu’li Canteen outdoor menu Satu’li Canteen Breakfast Menu Satu’li Canteen Lunch and Dinner Menu But since there is SO MUCH to explore today, we are starting with just a quick look, starting with a couple of the entree choices: the Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl (from the Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowl options), and the Vegetable Curry Pods, served with a crunchy slaw and vegetable chips. Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl Vegetable Steamed Curry Pods entree Vegetable Curry Steamed Pods And we haven’t forgotten the kiddos, who are likely going to love the “Teylu” All-Beef Hot Dog wrapped in dough. We totally dug it!! Kids’ Teylu Hot Dog Meal Specialty beverages include the Pandoran Sunrise (garnished with pineapple, this one has received a makeover since our Eat This Not That post!), Dreamwalker Sangria (the blue drink), Hawks Grog Ale (green beer!) and Mo’ara High Country Ale. Satu’li Canteen Beverages Hawks Grog Ale Even the desserts are like Na’vi works of art, like the Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse. Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse We can’t wait to show and tell you more VERY soon!! Pongu Pongu You may just love your explorations of Pandora so much that you might decide to stay! Approaching Pongu Pongu At least, that’s exactly what happened to an expatriate who traveled to Pandora with ACE and subsequently moved and set up Pongu Pongu, a drink stand built to serve thirsty travelers. Pongu Pongu sign Translated as “Party Party” in the language of Na’vi, Pongu Pongu celebrates all the “wild and memorable times” shared between the Na’vi and humans in the Valley. And the party is ON with the playful, colorful hues that adorn not only the signage… Pongu Pongu Menu … but the drinks as well! Night Blossom and Mo’ara Margarita Specialty sips here include the non-alcoholic Night Blossom, which is Limeade with apple and desert pear flavors, topped with passion fruit boba balls. Night Blossom Adults can try the Mo’ara Margarita, made of Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo Tequila with strawberry and blood orange flavors topped with strawberry boba balls. Mo’ara Margarita Pongu Pongu is also where you’ll find Pandora’s signature snack, Pongu Lumpia! Pongu Lumpia Pongu Lumpia is a pineapple and cream cheese spring roll. Pongu Lumpia Find out what we thought about it — and the drinks! — in our full review of Pongu Pongu on Tuesday! Windtraders Finally, we couldn’t resist a quick stop at Windtraders, Pandora’s merchandise location. We knew they’d likely have a DFB favorite — MUGS !! And this Floating Mountain Mug sure doesn’t disappoint! Floating Mountain Mug But there is some seriously unique non-food related merchandise as well. For instance, if you’re curious as to what YOUR Avatar might look like, here’s your chance to find out! Build Your Own Avatar Get outta here!! Build Your Own Avatar If mini-me’s aren’t your thing, you might be interested in another Build-Your-Own item, with the Na’vi cultural necklaces. Necklace Display Build Your Own Windtrader Necklace Necklace Pieces Of course, that’s just a small peek. We will have SO much more to show you from both Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu in the coming days! And make sure you are following us on Instagram and YouTube for more photo and video fun, along with some realtime footage on our Disney Food Blog Facebook Page! OH, and remember that AJ will be in Pandora on Monday afternoon and will surely be live streaming over on facebook and instagram! So tune in! Pandora is THE place to be, and we’d love to have you join us there. You won’t want to miss a minute! Be sure to join us for our full reviews of Satu’li and Pongu Pongu this week! What are YOU most excited to experience in Pandora — The World of AVATAR? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Pandora — The World of AVATAR Opens May 27th in Disney’s Animal Kingdom News! New Restaurants Revealed for Pandora — The World of Avatar, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Sneak Peek: Photos from Inside Disney’s Pandora – The World of Avatar View the full article

“Each of us has a dream…All we have to do is look inside our hearts and unlock the magic.” WOW! Were you there? Did you see it? Happily Ever After at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom We’re talking about Happily Ever After, which debuted last night. The brand new night time show at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom combines fireworks, lighting effects, lasers, castle projections, and music into one truly spectacular show. Truth be told, we are a little sad to say goodbye to its predecessor, Wishes. I mean, we all practically grew up with it, right? But this show is fantastic, and you’ve gotta see it! Not at Magic Kingdom? Well, you’re in luck. We’re bringing you the highlights and our secrets for seeing the show in our latest DFB Video!! We were there early in the evening as the park began to fill up. The Crowds Gather Early It was an absolutely gorgeous night at Magic Kingdom! It’s a Gorgeous Magic Kingdom Night! Branding for Happily Ever After is already in place around the park. Framed posters greeted guests at the train station. (Oh, and just to clarify, it’s sponsored by Pandora the jewelry company, not Pandora the Animal Kingdom land. ;-D) Happily Ever After Poster The Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace is still in full swing, just with a different title. New Sign for Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party And while we saw a disturbing lack of Happily Ever After cupcakes ;-), there was some cool merch available already, like ball caps and t-shirts. Happily Ever After Hat Happily Ever After Shirts But of course, you’re here to see the show. It’s just about go time! It’s Almost Tiiiiiiiime!!! If you’re showing up expecting just fireworks, you’re in for a huge surprise. Happily Ever After combines tons of different elements to create a show unlike anything else. Lasers, Lights, and Castle Disney also had brand new renderings completed of some of its most beloved characters, so there’s truly so much new to discover in this show. We loved seeing such a rich history of characters! Classics like The Lion King and Aladdin make appearances, in addition to dozens of others. But the projections that transformed the castle stole the show. Happily Ever After And of course there was some Frozen action. Happily Ever After A favorite were the tumbling castle of blocks that the crew from Toy Story put together. But equally stunning were scenes from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Brave, Tangled (lanterns!!), and Pirates of the Caribbean. Castle Projections — Happily Ever After In total, there are scenes and music from more than 25 Disney films in the 18-minute show. Castle Projection — Happily Ever After And here’s some great news — TINK still flies across the sky! Yay!! Because seriously, you need a little pixie dust if you’re gonna have your own happily ever after. The Big Bang! Happily Ever After There’s been a ton of anticipation around this show, so what do you think? Don’t forget to take a look at our video with our secrets for getting the best experience at the show! But what do you think? Is Happily Ever After a fitting Disney Kiss Good night? Leave a comment and tell us how you feel about the new show! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: “Happily Ever After” Nighttime Spectacular Replacing Wishes May 12 DFB Video: How to Score a Seat at the NEW “Rivers of Light” Show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Guest Review: Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party View the full article

Last night we headed out to Magic Kingdom Park to witness theme park history in the making – the debut performance of the new “Happily Ever After” presented by PANDORA Jewelry fireworks show. The spectacular, which is only the third nightly fireworks show to run at Magic Kingdom Park, combines fireworks, lasers, projections, original music and animation into an amazing storytelling experience for park guests. The 18-minute show also features moments with beloved Disney characters from films like “Brave,” “The Lion King,” “Moana,” “Up,” and many more. Click through the Disney Parks Blog Instagram gallery above for a full look at the show. View the full article